The first social housing project by MAD “introduces a fresh perspective” in China

Baiziwan Social Housing, in Beijing, is the first affordable housing project by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong.

Situated near the Central Business District of Beijing, the 93,900 square meters project is composed of 12 residential buildings, able to accommodate 4000 families, and has a total construction area of 473,300 square meters. MAD “saw this commission as an opportunity to improve the living conditions of low-income communities and introduce a fresh perspective to the current dull residential design image in China”.

The architecture firm decided to divide the lot into six blocks, anchored by a main avenue cutting through the center of the site, in order to fragment it into a much more human-friendly scale. In fact, the project aims to create a lively and inclusive urban experience in the neighborhood, thanks to the diversity of the spaces it offers.

At the street level, open to the public, the functional scheme hosts a range of commercial spaces and services. While the second level is accessible only to the residents and offers a communal outdoor landscape. A pedestrian path weaves around the six blocks, with a variety of functions including a gym, gardens, badminton court, children’s playground, and support services. Almost 3000 families have already moved in.

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